V for Vendetta (original 1988; edition 1995)

This is one of my favorite books of all time. I've re-read this at least once a year since its publication, not only because I enjoy the poetry of the language and the art of the drawings, but because I need a reminder now and again that one should never accept the unacceptable. I think this is Alan Moore's crown achievement (although many would argue for Watchmen) because it's not a tale told for entertainment, but grew out of Moore's own personal frustration and anger at a place and time in history - and the story manages to reflect that call to arms, albeit with Moore's usual dry tone and cynical airs. I love it, and will re-read it many, many times, if for no other reason than to remember that sometimes it's indeed better to choose to "die behind the chemical sheds." ( )

Finally. Finally sat down and read V for Vendetta. Such a fantastic book. A dystopian future, a fascist government keeping tabs on everything it's people do, and a mysterious figure in a Guy Fawkes mask making plans and shaking things up. Just the kind of grim reality I expect from Alan Moore, and does he ever deliver in this one. David Lloyd's art is outstanding as well, makes the world of V that much more dark and visceral.

V is an idea, not a man. And the idea is powerful beyond measure. He's come to put on a show. Are you sitting comfortably? ( )

I saw the movie a while ago and remembered only one thing from it, really: the scene with Evey with her hair all cut off, reading the note from Valerie. As far as I remember, that whole bit was more or less the same between both the graphic novel and the movie. It's a very very powerful bit, for me, and I imagine it's the bit that's going to stick with me from the book, too.

I hit a certain point with this book, around the end of 'volume one', where I didn't want to stop -- where I had to keep reading all the way. At first I was a little more unsure about it, and I had difficulty telling all the characters apart -- something about the art made it hard for me, I think.

The dystopia is interesting: pretty Orwellian and influenced by Nazism, I think, though I imagine a lifetime of influences went into it, including obviously ideas about anarchy. Despite the fact that the novel's predictions so far haven't come true, dystopian novels don't need to come true to be warnings. I mean, if you don't think 1984 holds a warning for us, Brits, look up how many times a day you appear on CCTV. ( )

My first thought at holding the copy of the book was disappointment. I had watched the movie and read a glossy 'Watchmen'. The non-glossy pages of paperback US edition,its smudged (colours in the) artwork and the font were the main irritants.

I could not really make much progress owing to this artwork. Soon, when the dystopian theme with an subversive, crazy V surfaces, my irritation with the art work is overcome.

V's methods are clever but seemingly absurd. He has a back story (unlike Rorschach in Watchmen) that explains his motives (though he aims bigger than that). Larkin camp reminded me of Treadstone in Bourne trilogy. In fact, the fascist government of UK reminded of 1984's Big Brother with those screens and that 'voice of the fate'.

What I liked was 'V' is an idea, not a man - something that can be handed down and inspired like 'Night Owl' et al superheroes of Watchmen. A second skimming of book reveals that story can be interpreted in several ways.

Sometimes, it was hard to recognize secondary characters. but, there were few other intriguing features. Every time 'V' scored a goal or made a turning point, a black Guy Fawkes small, circular icon figured at the bottom of page. All chapter names begin with 'V' in a book divided into three clear parts - Background and Introduction of Main Characters, the Moves and Aftermath.

The best feature of the book was to read an old article by Alan Moore how he and David Lloyd arrived at the name of the title, Guy Fawkes looks and the theme.

I recommend reading this after 'Watchmen' it offers a good contrast. Also, I remain firm in my view after reading the book that 'V for Vendetta' movie was as fantastic as it could get, though it doesn't feature any of side stories of secondary characters. ( )

This one is fucking awesome!!! And I know who is behind the mask… Is Seth!!! ( )